Parents want their children to thrive in school. While teachers remain primarily responsible for lessons and training, your contribution as a parent proves equally important to your child's academic success. In his book "The Power of Positive Parenting," Dr. Glenn Latham states, "The most important variable in school success is parental involvement in the education of their children." By actively supporting your son's scholastic pursuits, you can help him develop a love of learning that he will carry with him throughout his life.
Step 1
Read to your child daily. Reading proves essential to academic success. The Healthy Children website says, "The written word is a gateway to all kinds of learning, and the more you read to your child, the better chance [s]he has of becoming a proficient and eager reader." Have your child read for at least 15 to 20 minutes a day. Let your daughter choose her own reading material, even if the stories seem simplistic or silly to you. It is okay if she spends all 20 minutes reading books about ponies and unicorns, because as long as she reads, she learns.
Step 2
Create a homework space for your child. A homework space doesn't have to be elaborate or fussy; your child just needs to know that an area of the house exists specifically for him to do his schoolwork, says Latham. Make sure the space has good lighting and your son has access to the supplies he needs to complete his assignments. While it isn't necessary that the area remain completely silent, try to minimize distractions such as television, radio or other children. If your son prefers to have a little background noise, such as music playing while he works, it is okay to allow it as long as it doesn't interfere with his concentration.
Step 3
Communicate with your child's teachers. "Meet the teachers and stay in regular contact by phone or e-mail so that you can discuss any concerns as they arise," advises the Healthy Children website. Show your child that you take an active interest in his success at school by becoming involved. Attend parent-teacher conferences, volunteer in the classroom as often as your schedule will allow it and go to your child's school plays and concerts. Your son will have better success in school if he knows you and his teachers work together to help him receive the best education possible.
Step 4
Eat meals together as a family. Having regular meals together can improve your child's performance in school. According to a study conducted by Columbia University, "Compared to teens who have five to seven family dinners per week, those who have fewer than three family dinners per week are one and a half times likelier to report getting mostly C's or lower grades in school." Children who eat dinners with their parents on a regular basis have stronger vocabularies, better eating habits and prove less likely to experiment with harmful substances. If it isn't possible to eat together everyday, try to have dinners together as often as possible.
References
- "The Power of Positive Parenting"; Dr. Glenn Latham; 1990
- Healthy Children: Ten Tips for Your Child's Success in School
- The National Center On Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University: The Importance of Family Dinners V
